A Small Tutorial on Self-Care — Nourishing the Physical, Mental, & Spiritual!
What Is ‘Self-Care’?
Though the definition of this word is very simple, the actual implementation of self-care is absolutely challenging! It is not just physical exercise, which is what normally comes to mind. But when you think more carefully about self-care, you realize that mental, emotional, and soul nourishment are also required!
When nourishment of all four – Physical, Mental, Emotional & Spiritual – are achieved, then you will be on your way to success on your self-care journey!
Self-care is not a one time job. It is a recurring commitment that takes focused and concentrated effort. The only way to attain this dedication is to be serious and get accustomed to some of the small, but highly effective self-care habits. This will not only give your entire body complete serenity, but your soul will also get the relaxation it requires.
My sincere advice is – do not begin all of the below-mentioned habits at once, but keep a small log book or journal and add one new habit weekly if you can – but maintaining it for 21 days will ensure your success!
Altering Your Perception – Changing your perception is the first and foremost change you should opt for. Once you are comfortable with a routine whether good or bad, we have a hard time changing directions. During the course of living, you discover that some activities are harmful (e.g. Smoking, doing drugs, eating junk food), but still, you are not willing to quit.
WHY NOT? We like the routine, no matter how harmful it is. Change is a challenge, yet we all want to live a long life full of abundance. Something has got to give….
Make a list of the indulgent damaging acts you engage in and reduce it by one behavior every 21 days. For example – you are trying to increase your daily exercise. If you are taking the elevator instead of the stairs, begin walking up 1 or 2 flights during the first week. Then take the elevator the rest of the way, particularly if you are in an office building with many floors and yours happens to be the 6th Floor. This process helps slowly create a change. More importantly, starting the change reminds you of the commitment you have made. Each week add another flight of stairs. At the end of that 21 days/3 weeks, you can walk up a certain number of flights with little or no problem.
Yoga – Originating in ancient India, yoga is one of the oldest holistic health care modalities accepted around the world. Try some yoga practices as it not only soothes your entire body, but also helps to stabilize your mental composure. Doing the “Sun Salutation” daily is known to provide tremendous health benefits.
Relax – When you return home from work, take time out to relax by lying on your bed in the quiet. Try to keep your mind clear of any troubling thoughts (it may be a challenge), but stick with it. After giving 15 minutes to relaxation – get up and resume your evening routine!
Do Not Let Routine Activities Stay Mechanical but Make Them Intentional – Yes, to date, you have been mechanical with respect to brushing your teeth, eating, driving or other mundane activities. Now, I want you to think twice about these! Are they not self-care activities as well? From today on – be intentional about all of these supposedly mundane activities. Remind yourself you are caring for you, and stay in the moment as you do them. I have found that some of the best creative ideas can be achieved while performing the mundane.
Be Light Hearted – Yes, don’t sweat the small stuff. Being too serious leads your thoughts to the negative. Try to be jovial, silly, and crack some jokes in the group of friends who support you. This will not only relax your mind, but also help to soothe your soul. What is the old adage, laughter is the best medicine.
Go In Stealth Mode – Get off your personal grid. Switch off your electronic gadgets like – mobile phone, TV, Laptop, games, and so on for at least 30 minutes in a day. Think of all your happy times and dream of plans like vacations, your bucket list, etc. These will completely rejuvenate you and influence you with all positive thoughts.
There are many ways to get Self-Care in — but try to follow the above-mentioned activities to get you started, which will surely make a difference in your physical and mental health! This will increase your connection with yourself and paying attention to what you do. You can gain happiness in almost anything – small or big!
FINALLY –
Maintain yourself with Self-Care as well as you maintain your things — car, house, clothes, hair, nails, etc. Do timely Self-Care Activities for yourself before it becomes a critical life threatening matter!! It’s what you do for everyone and everything else!
Share your comments to the above activities and about your accomplishments or challenges! I’m here to support and cheer you to Self-Care Success!
